{Dining Out} Jungsik

Jungsik amuse bouche

Can you believe this was only our complimentary amuse bouche? We had struggled to find a restaurant that wasn't offering an over-priced "special" New Year's Eve dinner for our last meal of 2011. Jeff suggested we check out Jungsik, a new Korean upscale restaurant in the Tribeca neighborhood. Jungsik had received some good reviews and it was offering its regular menu at our earlier 7pm seating.

From start to finish, we were impressed with Jungsik's impeccable and gracious service. The space is sleek, yet intimate. We opted to sit side by side (love these corner tables!). I chose their 5-course tasting menu ($115) while Jeff decided to make his own 5-course menu ($115). Because Jeff doesn't have a sweet tooth like I do, he asked to start with 2 appetizers in lieu of dessert (which the restaurant kindly allowed). From the moment we order, the food just kept on coming.

{Wine Wednesday} Terroir Tribeca

Free sherry and Funky beef balls. Jeff mentioned those enticing words to easily convince me to visit Terroir Tribeca. He likes Terroir's small East Village location, so since we were in Tribeca, he wanted to stop into this larger location.  The vibe is relaxing and casual - both due to the friendly, knowledgeable staff as well as the charming, rustic decor.  Even the menu is pretty tongue-in-cheek in tone.

We ordered the Funky Beef Balls (aged beef, $7) to pair with his complimentary sherry (free glass before 6 pm). Jeff loves sherry and chose the fino dry sherry. I was indecisive about which sparkling wine to choose, so our server kindly poured us a few tastes which ranged from a rose Cava to a dry Champagne. I decided on a lively Cremant from Jura (Bornard Cremant du Jura Blanc de Blancs, $14/glass).

{Easy Entertaining} Festive Blue Holiday Dessert Table and Chobani Giveaway Winner Announced!

Happy Belated Christmas/Hannukah/Festivus/Holidays everyone! We just returned from a quick, but wonderful, visit to my hometown of Toronto. While we were there, my mom told me we were also surprising my dad with a "Congratulations on your (sorta) Retirement" party (sorta since my dad will still be working part-time with his employer - they can't let him go! =) )

So I wanted to put together a fun dessert table for him but because it was a surprise, I decided on a "Winter" theme so he would think it was a table for our Christmas party. Unfortunately, I only had a day to put everything together. And since I was in Toronto, I was without my stash of pretty paper, fancy hole punches, and color printer.

I scrambled and improvised. It's not as festive as last year's dessert table (which I also had a lot more lead-time for in addition to being able to bring supplies from NYC), but I think the dessert table turned out well.  Read on for tips on creating a quick and easy dessert table.

{Dining Out} Lunch date at Momofuku Ssam Bar

Duck Sandwich  with iceberg lettuce, spicy mayo, peppadews ($12)

Yesterday was our last day in the city before heading off to Toronto to spend the holidays with my family. So Jeff and I both decided to take the day off (for last minute packing and errands) and treat ourselves to a leisurely lunch at Momofuku Ssam Bar.

We easily got a table when we arrived around 12:30pm. For lunch service, you have to order from the counter in the back space that used to be Milk Bar. After you order, select your own seat and your food is then brought to you. If you love duck and pork, this is the place for you!

{Easy Recipes} Yogurt Biscuits + Chobani giveaway + Dolce Gusto winner announced!

For a quick weekday breakfast, yogurt's my go-to dish-to-go. But I also enjoy how versatile yogurt can be. For a healthier Caesar salad, I use plain Greek yogurt instead of dressing. For baking, much like pumpkin puree or applesauce, yogurt is a great healthy substitute for oil, shortening, or butter.

So when Chobani offered to send us some yogurt and fulfill a giveaway to one lucky HLFD reader, we happily agreed. We love the lemon, mango, and pineapple flavors, but use plain Greek yogurt most often.

I've been fighting a cold now for about a week, so I decided to bake some biscuits to go with the French Onion soup my husband was making for me. I used a recipe found in Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything (a great resource that every kitchen should have!). I love making biscuits - they're so quick and easy to make. These ones were best served hot with the soup or with jam and hot tea.

Read on for the recipe, details on our Chobani giveaway, and the announcement of the Dolce Gusto giveaway winner!